ISTANBUL – ANSWER. Despite the initial hype in the Turkish media about the withdrawal of the text of the amendment by the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Bob Menendezin Anchor just moderate optimism prevails. Analysts evaluate and agree that many steps and negotiations need to be made in the next period.

Mr Kalin

Representative of the Turkish President Ibrahim Kalin declared that “the opportunity has opened up for the question to get to the congress, as we wanted it. But he’s going to Congress after the midterms. After that, negotiations will continue. This is good for us. If we make a deal on F-16, we would do it on the terms we want. But there are still many issues that need to be discussed. This is in our favor. We see this as a positive step for Turkey.” However, Turkey is looking forward to a quick resolution of the issue, as Ankara has submitted two bids: one for the purchase of 40 new F-16 Vipers, and the second for the modernization of 80 F-16s, which it already has in its arsenal on par with the new F -16. Her exclusion Turkey from the 100 F-35 joint production and delivery program due to CAATSA sanctions have already derailed the plans of the Turkish Air Force, as it is currently assumed that at least 12 F-35s would arrive in Turkey with a corresponding number of recalls of older F-16 models that continue fly or stuck due to age.

Analysts estimate that if the modernization program is not launched within 2024, the problems will worsen. At the same time, they note that Greece is already “launching” a program to upgrade the F-16 to the Viper level and is receiving some of them, like the French Rafale fighters. Military analysts have publicly expressed fear that “the balance in the Aegean is shifting in favor of Greece.” However, the prevailing opinion is that, despite steps that may be taken in the near future, the final decisions on the sale of the F-16 to the United States will be made after the presidential elections to be held in Turkey in June 2023.

New attack

Meanwhile, Mr. Kalin, in an interview with 24 TV, said that Greece is increasing tension in the Aegean Sea and “violating the airspace by arming the islands, even though they are in a state of demilitarization.” Weapons and armored vehicles are sent to the islands in civilian status. I explained this in detail to Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, last week.” Mr. Kalin also referred to the Turkish-Libyan MoU and argued that “Turkey and Libya are neighbors by sea, they can cooperate on maritime jurisdiction without violating the rights or laws of any other country. The claims of the Greeks are worth nothing. Because this is an agreement between Turkey and Libya. When Greece made a similar deal with Egypt, no one said anything. In other words, no one asked the question “where is Greece, where is Egypt?”